Australian robots have learned to talk the talk

SYDNEY - They're not discussing the latest celebrity gossip or passing on stock tips just yet, but Australian robots have begun talking to each other - and in a language of their own devising.

The two "Lingodroids", developed by the University of Queensland, have picked up their shared language by playing location games that led them to construct a shared vocabulary for places, distances and directions.

"In their current state all they can talk about is spatial concepts, which I think is pretty cool as a starting point," said Ruth Schulz, director of the project.